From high fashion HQs to vintage havens and everything in between, the streets of London are lined with feasts for every fashionista. Consider this your fountain of knowledge for affordable options across the capital.
If it’s affordable luxury fashion you’re after, take a read of our previous roundup article. Otherwise, keep reading for insider knowledge on designer outlets, high street brands and thrift stores.
In London, there’s always a fashion gem waiting to be found. You just have to know where to look.
Designer Outlets
For big names at small prices, these are the places to go.
1. TK Maxx, various locations
An undisputed British institution. If you’re in the mood for rummaging for a bargain, TK Maxx is your best bet. With recognisable brands at prices you can’t beat, this chain has some of the highest quality affordable clothing in London.
Locations: Find them here
2. Nike Central Store, Kings Cross St Pancras
An outlet store in a prime location is a rare thing. Which may be why this Nike discount store is relatively unknown; it’s hiding in plain sight.
Location: 2 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
Nearest station: Kings Cross St Pancras
3. London Designer Outlet (LDO), Wembley
A short train ride out to west London is worth it for anyone looking for some affordable branded clothing. From Calvin Klein to The North Face, Tommy Hilfiger to Levi’s, you’re bound to find something that suits your need, taste, and budget.
Location: Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, London HA9 0FD
Nearest station: Wembley Park
4. The Box, Hackney
The place to go for weekly sample sale events. Each event hosts a different brand, sharing sample stock and one-offs at heavy discounts. Check the events page to see which brands are being hosted when.
Location: 4-6 Ram Place, Hackney Central, London E9 6LT
Nearest stations: Hackney Central and Homerton
5. ICON Outlet at The O2, North Greenwich
The O2 isn’t just an iconic music venue, it’s a treasure trove of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle items at great prices too. Enjoy up to 70% off RRP on over 60 brands including adidas, Calvin Klein, Next, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Sunglasses Hut and many more.
Location: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Nearest station: North Greenwich
High Street brands
High street brands are the most affordable way to dress like a Londoner. While you might have a signature Burberry trench and a pair of Dr Martens’ in the wardrobe, it’s the everyday staples that bring the outfit together.
1. Marks & Spencer
A true British icon, and a staple on every high street up and down the UK. In recent years, they’ve hired a Head of Menswear from Hugo Boss and a Head of Womenswear from Topshop. Between them, they’ve brought the brand’s style bang up to date while keeping the quality and affordable price tags the same.
Locations: Various, find them here
2. Clarks
Arguably Britain’s favourite shoe shop, Clarks has a reputation for reliably high quality, affordable footwear fashion. Whether you’re after staples and statements, there will likely be something for you. For seasonal trends, have a browse at Clarks Originals.
Locations: Various, find them here
3. Zara
While London can’t claim Zara for its own, it certainly has a prominent place in London’s high streets. With what feels like as many locations as Pret, you can probably find a Zara without even meaning to. It’s a staple for affordable fashion for both menswear and womenswear.
Locations: Various, find them here
4. H&M
Again, while H&M is a European brand, it’s very much a part of British culture. For affordable fashion it’s a sure-fire win. Whether you’re looking for an everyday tee, athleisure or something for a special occasion, you’ll be able to find it at H&M for a fraction for the price.
Locations: Various, find them here
5. New Look
A British brand that’s taken over the world with its affordable fashion. You won’t find luxury here, but for a quick shopping fix New Look should be on your radar.
Locations: Various, find them here
Vintage stores
Affordable fashion with a sustainable edge; vintage or second-hand stores are a way to get your fashion fix with a much lower environmental impact. London has some of the best vintage shops in Europe, here are our top five.
1. Rokit
Within Rokit’s carefully curated selection you can find a whole host of designer brands, denim and military clothing. The stores are large, well-curated, and can be found in the heart of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods for vintage clothing – Camden, Brick Lane and Covent Garden.
Locations: Find them here
2. Beyond Retro
What started out as a little vintage shop on Brick Lane, Beyond Retro has become a go-to store in London, as well as Sweden and Finland. With pieces handpicked globally by a trend-focussed in-house team, expect everything from dazzling party sequins to noughties branded sportswear, timeless 1950s team jackets to rare 80s band tees.
Locations: Dalston, Coal Drops Yard and Oxford Circus. Find them here
3. What Goes Around Comes Around
Tucked away in the labyrinth of Camden market, What Goes Around Comes Around is a haven for varsity jackets, souvenir bombers, college sweatshirts, bowling bags, Hawaiian shirts, classic Levi’s jeans and Converse sneakers. It’s a great place to bag a bargain.
Location: Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road London, NW1 8AH
Nearest station: Camden Town
4. Charity Supermarket
The best way to describe Charity Supermarket is a department store for charity retail shops. Created to disprove the outdated notion that charity shops ruin high streets, and to help charity shops broaden their demographic, giving them access to mainstream spaces and places they wouldn’t normally be able to access. Flow from one ‘shop’ space to the next, serenaded by the in-house DJ.
Locations: Spitalfields Market, Livat Hammersmith, Brent Cross Shopping Centre
5. Portobello Road Market
Every weekend the UKs finest vintage fashion traders and specialists gather under the Portobello Green canopy selling iconic brands such as Burberry, Carhart, Ralph Lauren and McQueen. Keep your eyes open for celebrities as well as bargains, as it’s the go-to place for one-off pieces. It’s a very London day out.
Location: Portobello Road, W11 2QB
Nearest stations: Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove
Now that you know where to look, it’s time to get hunting for treasure. What will you find?
